According to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency:
- Radon causes over 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
- 1 in 15 homes in the United States have high radon levels.
How dangerous is radon in Your House?
Radon levels are measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. Levels of 4 pCi/L or higher are considered hazardous. Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk and in many cases can be reduced, although it is difficult to reduce levels below 2 pCi/L. The EPA estimates that a radon removal system costs about $1,200 for an average house.
Should you get a radon test when buying a home?
Whenever you are purchasing a new home, you really should get a radon test before closing the sale. If testing reveals an unacceptable level of the gas found within your home, it is a good idea to initiate radon remediation methods. Radon remediation means you can rest assured the gas won't accumulate within your home.
Is radon really bad for You?
When radon gas enters the body, it exposes the lungs to small amounts of radiation. In small quantities, experts say this is harmless. However, in persistent exposures or larger quantities, radon can damage the cells of the lining of the lungs, increasing a person’s chance of developing lung cancer.
What causes high levels of radon gas?
Radon production is a natural process that occurs as the radioactive elements in the rocks and soil decay. So the soil below the house is what causes high radon levels. While soil also emits radon outdoors, it quickly disperses. Since a house is a confined space, often completely covered, the gas gets trapped in.
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Which houses are most likely to have radon?
Exposure to radon can be especially high for people who use their basements as a living space. Like basements, homes with slab-on-grade foundations have many openings that allow radon to enter. Homes with crawl spaces (vented and sealed) can also have elevated radon levels.
How many homes in the US have radon?
Nearly one in 15 homes in the United States has a radon level that should be reduced. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Smoking is the first.
How much radon do most homes have?
about 1.3 pCi/LThe average indoor radon level is estimated to be about 1.3 pCi/L, and about 0.4 pCi/L of radon is normally found in the outside air. The U.S. Congress has set a long-term goal that indoor radon levels be no more than outdoor levels.
Where is radon the highest in home?
basementBecause radon levels are often highest in the basement, placing your test there is a good idea. However, radon levels can also be high above ground, even in homes without basements, so the ground floor is also a good location to test.
How worried should I be about radon?
The only safe level of radon is zero. Radon levels measure in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. Levels of 4 pCi/L or higher are considered hazardous to your health, and you need to take action against radon if your levels are higher than 4 pCi/L.
Will an air purifier help with radon?
Air Purifiers are great for mold, dust, allergies, bacteria and viruses, and odors, but many people do not know that they can also help with toxins, gases and chemicals such as radon. The most important type of air filter to reduce radon levels is an activated carbon filter.
What state has highest radon levels?
AlaskaAlaska has the highest radon levels of 10.7 pCi/L....Here are the 10 states with the highest Radon levels:Alaska - 10.7.South Dakota - 9.6.Pennsylvania - 8.6.Ohio - 7.8.Washington - 7.5.Kentucky - 7.4.Montana - 7.4.Idaho - 7.3.More items...
Is radon in homes common?
In general, radon concentration is not very high in Québec homes. The average concentration of radon in basements is about 35 Bq/m³. However, concentrations can sometimes reach very high levels, which exceed 1,000 Bq/m³.
Where is radon most common in the US?
Below are the top five states with the greatest radon levels based on data from several sources.Alaska: 10.7 pCi/L. ... South Dakota: 9.6 pCi/L. ... Pennsylvania: 8.6 pCi/L. ... Ohio: 7.8 pCi/L. ... Washington: 7.5 pCi/L.
How do you reduce radon in a home?
Improving indoor ventilation One of the simplest ways to dilute moderate levels of radon is to increase the indoor ventilation by installing wall vents or window trickle vents. This can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 50%.
How do I make my house safe from radon?
An active radon sump, fitted with a fan, is the most effective way to reduce indoor radon levels. Sumps work best under solid floors and under suspended floors if the ground is covered with concrete or a membrane. Occasionally, passive sumps without a fan may reduce radon levels.
What type of soil has the most radon?
Granitic type soilsGranitic type soils present higher levels of radon gas. Non-granitic soils have traditionally been considered to have very low radon levels.
Is radon in homes common?
In general, radon concentration is not very high in Québec homes. The average concentration of radon in basements is about 35 Bq/m³. However, concentrations can sometimes reach very high levels, which exceed 1,000 Bq/m³.
What state has highest radon levels?
AlaskaAlaska has the highest radon levels of 10.7 pCi/L....Here are the 10 states with the highest Radon levels:Alaska - 10.7.South Dakota - 9.6.Pennsylvania - 8.6.Ohio - 7.8.Washington - 7.5.Kentucky - 7.4.Montana - 7.4.Idaho - 7.3.More items...
Are a common source of radon in homes?
It comes from the natural decay of uranium that is found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps radon inside, where it can build up.
How do you reduce radon in a home?
Improving indoor ventilation One of the simplest ways to dilute moderate levels of radon is to increase the indoor ventilation by installing wall vents or window trickle vents. This can reduce radon levels in your home by up to 50%.